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TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT BASKETBALL

What type of Basketball is right for me?
Basketballs are generally made from 4 different materials and some offer two different channel sizes. Each material has different play and durability characteristics:

• Leather Basketballs: Leather basketballs are most popular amount basketballs. Leather basketballs deliver the best performance with the sure feel and excellent playability that will help your ball game. Leather basketballs are almost always the official basketballs in all competitive organizations. They are suited for serious practice and serious competition.
  • Leather is the best quality available
  • For indoor use only
  • Initially leather balls are 'slippy' and need time to be 'played in' before they play at their best
  • Most expensive
  
  
• Composite Basketballs: Composite basketballs have increasingly become popular. The covers on composite basketballs are made of a blend of leather and synthetic materials. Composite basketballs offer excellent tackiness, feel and playability and are less expensive than leather basketballs. Composite basketballs are suitable for indoor use, and are perfect for serious competition or practice.
  • Composite Leather is top quality
  • For indoor use only
  • Does not require any 'playing in' time.
  • Most often used by clubs as match balls
  
  
• Synthetic Leather Basketballs: Synthetic leather basketballs are great for indoor and outdoor play. Synthetic leather basketballs are made from a special material which gives them the look and feel of a leather ball, but with more durability and moisture resistance. Synthetic leather basketballs are great for general play and practice.
  • Has the feel of leather
  • Durability necessary for both indoor and outdoor use
  • A great game ball for schools.
  
  
• Rubber Basketballs: Rubber basketballs are excellent general play basketballs, especially well suited to outdoor play due to their durability and water resistance. Rubber basketballs have a deeply contoured surface, making them easy to grip. Rubber basketballs also come in the widest range of sizes.
  • Hard wearing thread
  • Indoor and Outdoor
  • Great for recreational/practice play

Tips on Choosing Basketballs

• Wide Channel Basketballs: The space between the panels on a basketball are referred to as channels. Channels in a basketball provide a place for the fingers to grip. The channels on the ball allow players to "roll" the ball off their hands when shooting, resulting in more accurate shots. Wider channel balls are designed to accommodate larger fingers, making them the official ball of Men's College and Professional play.
• Narrow Channel Basketballs: The channels on these types of balls are narrower than the channels on a wide channel ball. The narrower channel makes them easier to grip for smaller fingers. Narrow channel balls are the official balls of Boys High School (size 7) and Women's college (size 6) competition.
• Choosing Built-in pump Basketball: Choosing a Basketball with a built-in pump means it's never over- or under-inflated, always ready for play!
• Choosing a ball with good moisture resistance
  

What size Basketball is right for you?